Bickerstock

COVID-19

Because of the on-going uncertainty and the vast amount of planning required for Bickerstock we regret that the festival will not take place in 2021.

Here’s to 2022, stay safe, look after your loved ones and each other. We’ll see you all next year.

Please visit the gallery to remind yourselves of the great times we’ve had and will have again. xx

ONCE UPON A TIME….The Story Behind Bickerstock

You may not know it, but tucked away in the lanes of Bickerstaffe was a recording studio called Dead Frog Studios, run by a nice bloke called Paul Draper. It was in this studio that Paul first dreamt up the idea for the Bickerstaffe Community Free Music Festival: ‘Bickerstock’, as it became known.Read more…Close

The first two festivals were held in the field outside the Stanley Gate Pub – convenient since festival goers and bands could pop in for a beer! These days Bickerstock takes place at Bickerstaffe Parish Field, on Hall Lane.

Over the years, more and more locals have come together to support Paul’s vision. The committee has evolved and now includes a cross-section of the community.

In the past, the festival has enjoyed support from international Soca music legend and Trinidadian, Sheldon Blackman, and world renowned classical steel drummer and amazingly versatile musician, Clifton Harrydass. Sheldon managed to fit Bickerstock into his busy schedule in 2019, and both artists are always very welcome in Bickerstaffe!

THE FESTIVAL AIMS;

TO PROMOTE LIVE MUSIC

Bickerstock gives up-and-coming local musicians the opportunity to perform alongside established musicians, and gives the people of West Lancs the opportunity to hear local talent. Read more…Close

We try and include performers from all genres of music, and past line-ups have included opera singer Sarah Helsby Hughes, jazz quintet ‘The Emma Holcroft Quintet’, local bands ‘Red Men Don’t Walk’, ‘Northern Daze’, ‘The Hatters’ and ‘Psychic Robot’. Blues from ‘The Badge’, Rock ‘n’ Roll courtesy of ‘George’s Big Shed,’ punk from ‘Pink Gun Trio’ and Flora Golden, to name just a few.

There are Open Mic sessions hosted by various artists on the Bar Stage throughout the weekend, and these are a firm favourite, giving local up-and-coming artists the opportunity to showcase their talents.

TO BRING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER

Residents from Bickerstaffe and beyond are made welcome, and many locals get involved in helping to organise and run the event.Read more…Close

Community organisations are encouraged to get involved with the running and organisation of the festival. It’s a great opportunity for people to come together and enjoy music, fresh air and (fingers crossed) some sunshine.

Local businesses can get involved, offering sponsorship in return for an advert in our festival printed programme.

TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY

Over the years Bickerstock has raised thousands of pounds for local good causes and charities, including a donation to the refurbishment of the Bickerstaffe Mission building;Read more…Close

Bickerstaffe Pensioners’ Day Trip Fund; Bickerstaffe Amateur Football Club; Holy Trinity Church Boiler Fund; St Joseph’s Hospice; Skelmersdale Sea Cadets; local Girl Guides; Merseycats; Rainford Young Farmers; Barnado’s; Rainbow House; Bickerstaffe Parish Council Defibrillator project; a seat for the Parish Field; Guide Dogs; Air Ambulance; Animals in Need; Bickerstaffe Pensioner’s Social Fund; Crossroads – respite for carers; Twinkle House; West Lancs Crisis Info Centre & Food Bank; Sporting Challenge; Southport Samaritans; Woodlands Animal Sanctuary; Applecast; West LancsWarriors Basketball Club; NW Ecological Trust and Ormskirk Hospital neo-natal unit.

In the words of Sheldon Blackman, “It’s all good!”